Bob was born in Marseilles, IL to Leslie and Mildred (Lovell) Richardson. His grandparents lived around the corner, Milo and Nettie Richardson. His aunt and uncle were Bob and Helen Richardson. Bob was an accomplished basketball player in high school and a fantastic musician. Bob went to St Ambrose college and majored in music. He was drafted by the Army when he finished college and was assigned to the infantry division in Verona, Italy. Bob managed to try out and get re-assigned to the Army Band as a star trumpet player. Through this, he met his bride Antonietta (Toni) Franzoi. They were married at Romeo and Juliet's castle in Verona and lived for several years in Vicenza. They moved to Marseilles, IL when Toni was pregnant with their first child, Jill. Later, they bought a home in Edgington, IL and Bob became the high school band director. Sandra was born 7 years after Jill. Bob became an acclaimed music director, winning first in state consistently. Many of his students became musicians themselves through Bob's love of music and his patient teaching style and success. Later, the family moved to Rock Island, IL and then Bob left the state of IL to teach oversees with DODDS. He taught music to all grades in Newbury, UK; Germany and Turkey before retiring with Toni in Sarasota, FL. Bob was loved by everyone he met for his sharp wit, humor and loving manner. Bob and Toni were married for over 50 years and have two daughters, Sandra and Jill. Sandra lives in Santa Rosa, CA and Jill lives in Australia.